Obama confers with European heads before summit

WASHINGTON 
The White House says President Barack Obama has discussed developments in Europe with leaders of Germany, France and Italy before an upcoming economic summit in Mexico.

Obama on Wednesday followed up on discussions he held at the G-8 meeting at Camp David with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (AHN'-geh-lah MEHR'-kuhl), French President Francois Hollande (frahn-SWAH' oh-LAWND') and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. At Camp David, Obama and the world leaders said their governments must promote growth and cut the debt to address the European debt crisis.

Europe's economy is expected to be a leading topic when leaders of the G-20 convene in Mexico next month.